In a significant stride towards safeguarding public health, the Ashanti Regional Police Command, in collaboration with the Inspector-General of Police Special Operations Team from the National Police Headquarters in Accra, successfully apprehended six individuals allegedly involved in the distribution of unregistered pharmaceutical products. This intelligence-led operation was executed at the Airport Roundabout in Kumasi on Monday, June 29.
The suspects, now in police custody, have been identified as Abdul Karim Ramadan (20), Wisdom Pakindam Jatuat (38), Razak Issahaku (37), Abdul Rahman Yakubu (45), Iddrisu Mohammed (26), and Nana Abio Godwin (27). Their arrest occurred while they were aboard a DAF XF truck with the registration number AW 5113-21.
A thorough search of the vehicle unveiled 17 fertiliser sacks filled with pharmaceutical tablets suspected to be unregistered. The confiscated items include ten sacks of tablets labeled Dyclosa 50mg and seven sacks labeled Royal Chest and Lungs. These products have been retained as exhibits and will undergo examination by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to ascertain their registration status and compliance with the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).
The suspects are currently aiding the Drug Law Enforcement Unit in further investigations. The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its unwavering commitment to collaborating with the FDA and other pertinent stakeholders to eradicate the illegal sale and distribution of unregistered pharmaceutical products, thereby ensuring the protection of public health.
In light of this operation, the Police have urged the public to contribute to these efforts by providing credible information regarding the illegal sale, distribution, or manufacture of pharmaceutical products. Such information can be relayed to the nearest Police Station or through designated emergency channels.
This operation underscores the critical role of law enforcement agencies in maintaining public health safety and highlights the importance of community involvement in combating illegal activities that threaten societal well-being.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
